PRINCE2F Overview of PRINCE2 and Principles Practice Question
A Project Manager is leading a project to develop a new software application. During a progress review, the Project Board notes that the project has been proceeding without a clear definition of the products to be delivered, leading to scope creep and rework. The Project Manager is asked to address this by applying a specific PRINCE2 principle. Which principle should be applied to resolve this issue?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is thinking that manage by stages would solve scope creep, but it only provides control points; it is the product definitions that prevent scope creep.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Focus on products
The principle of focus on products ensures that the project is defined and driven by its products. By clearly defining the products, their quality criteria, and acceptance criteria, the Project Manager can prevent scope creep and rework. This principle directly addresses the lack of product definitions described in the scenario. The other principles are important but do not directly solve the root cause of the issue.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Learn from experience
Why it's wrong here
Learn from experience involves capturing and using lessons to improve the project. While the team could learn from the rework, this principle does not prevent the initial problem of undefined products. The scenario requires proactive definition of products to avoid scope creep. Learning from experience is reactive in this context, whereas focus on products is proactive.
- ✗
Manage by stages
Why it's wrong here
Manage by stages is about dividing the project into manageable stages and providing control points. While it helps in monitoring progress, it does not directly solve the problem of undefined products. The scenario's root cause is the absence of product definitions, not the lack of stages. Applying manage by stages without focusing on products would still leave the scope unclear.
- ✓
Focus on products
Why this is correct
Focus on products requires that the project is driven by the definition and delivery of products, not just by activities. In this scenario, the lack of clear product definitions has caused scope creep and rework. Applying this principle means defining the products, their quality criteria, and their acceptance criteria upfront. This will provide a clear scope and reduce ambiguity, directly addressing the issue.
- ✗
Manage by exception
Why it's wrong here
Manage by exception sets tolerances and delegates authority, allowing the Project Board to intervene only when exceptions occur. It does not address the clarity of product definitions. The scenario's issue is scope creep due to undefined products, which is best resolved by focusing on products. Manage by exception would only help in escalating if the scope creep breaches tolerances, but it doesn't prevent it.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official PeopleCert exam blueprint
This PRINCE2F practice question is part of Courseiva's free PeopleCert certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the PRINCE2F exam.